Hi. We are a design/style LA based company specializing in mixing eclectic styles on moderate budgets. Also we have a strange amount of fun blogging about all our design and style adventures. Right now I’m happy to say that I’m Target’s home spokesperson, bringing accessible/stylish design to the masses.

Makeover Takeover

Brady Gives a Refresh to His Vintage Bathroom

Hey Folks, Brady here, and today on the blog Emily has given me full liberty to talk about a very important issue, her morning routine. I kid, but everyone has one: Kesha “brushes her teeth with a bottle of Jack, ” Gweneth probably steams her _______ (you know what) before applying edible face cream which saves the environment and baby pandas, and well… then there is mine. It used to be pretty dismal until just a few weeks ago when my rather drab rental bathroom got a major facelift.

As you can see on the left in the before pic, it wasn’t great, but it did have some majorly great aspects that I loved and allowed me to look past the disgustingly dirty floors, the unusually low sink, and the small size of the room. The vintage basketweave tile, the cast iron tub, and the tall ceilings all meant it had major potential to go from 2012 Kylie Jenner to 2016 Kylie Jenner, for those of you that might not fully get that reference call me as we have a lot to catch up on.

Let’s start with the major fixes. The toilet and sink. These may seem like HUGE projects but are relatively easy and can make a big difference in your space. 5 years ago if you wanted an affordable toilet or sink, you had very few options and got the look of a budget toilet or sink. But, nowadays there are some very good looking toilets and sinks that are definitely rental and pocket-book friendly (and don’t worry we have a huge roundup of those coming very soon).

For those of you that are renters, I would definitely check with your landlord before you go in and start ripping things apart and replacing hard finishes in your place. But if they are open to it and it is something that you want to do then I would definitely recommend swapping them out. There are just some things that 20 thorough cleanings of clorox can’t wash away on a 15-year-old toilet and sink. Needless to say, my new toilet, new sink, and faucet make me so much happier than those sad dated ones that lived in there previously.

As the apartment is vintage, I wanted to find something that would echo the charm and character of the place so I ended up going with this toilet, this sink, and this faucet which I could not be more happy with. They both work so well together and, even just having those three new pieces in the space, made a world of difference.

I also added a new brass shelf above the toilet to fill that huge empty space, as well as a new towel ring because well…. the one on the left just wasn’t working for me and all of those pretty new pieces that were going to live next to it.

We all know that good light is important in a bathroom, and as I only have one small window and previously a one-light-flush-mount, it was time to upgrade to something more useful and more pleasant to look at. I went with this chandelier which I love. I had it made to come down 28″ inches from the ceiling, which you would think would make the space feel smaller but in fact having that depth to the light extends your eye line up to the tall ceilings. It also hides your wrinkles, diminishes hair loss, and makes your muscles look bigger. (I swear).

Now that we have talked about what I did to some of the hard surfaces in the space (light, sink, faucet, toilet, shelf), let’s talk about how you can bring some life into a rather bland bathroom with some very quick and easy fixes. I am no professional stylist, nor will I claim to be, but there are a few things to help your space feel more lived in, more you, and more comfortable.

Scent: This one is big in a bathroom (DUH… cue potty humor jokes). This candle has been my go-to for a long time both in and out of the bathroom. The scent is amazing (Gramercy Park Hotel actually uses it for all their products and burns it in all public spaces) and it doesn’t burn too fast like other candles. Basically, if you have a clean surface to create an area for a candle and a few matches, then you should do it. You and your guests will appreciate it.

Mirror: Depending on your bathroom this is one of the easiest and most impactful fixes. My bathroom previously had a built in medicine cabinet with layers and layers of paint on it. I knew that I couldn’t rip out the medicine cabinet so instead I just popped the mirrored door off by the hinges which left me with a flat surface which allowed me to mount this brass beauty from Restoration Hardware on top of the old medicine cabinet recess.

Be Your Own Guest: Trust me when I say I don’t live a life of luxurious bubble baths and champagne toasts everyday. But that doesn’t mean you can’t fantasize about it and create your own little bathroom oasis. My bathroom is SMALL and when I say small, I really do mean small. It is about 5’x5′, so I didn’t have room for a cute curio cabinet with bath salts and all my “lotions and potions”, as my dad likes to call them. But I was able to add a little side table stump, a small bud vase, and a sponge and face cloth (for all those days that I use a face cloth and sponge)… who am I kidding, throw that shit off of there and bring in a bottle of wine, while you have the Kardashians on your laptop which is cantilevered on your toilet. Isn’t that what all good side tables and toilets are for?

Make it Personal: No matter where the space may be in your house/apartment, if you just fill it with pretty things, it will just be a room filled with pretty things. Always bring in something to really make it your own. Mine happen to be a few polaroids of some of my best friends and family I have tucked into the edges of my mirror – and they’re doing a damn good job of getting my butt to the gym every morning. Just a bunch of skinny minis and my little sister, sporting a full six-pack only a few months after popping a baby out. If that isn’t motivation to do some planks every day I don’t know what is.

All in all, I could not be more happy with my little bathroom oasis, what do you think? If you are ready to create the look yourself, head on down below where I have pulled together a get the look with everything I used.

I have the same one–I got it at Urban Outfitters maybe 3 years ago. I’d love to know if Brady got one recently, because we just sold our house and I did not want to part with it, so I replaced it with a less-cool one from Menards. I only felt a little bad. 😉

This is so beautiful! I love what you did in a small rental as I live in one too. But where is all of your bathroom stuff? You said the bathroom is so tiny, so where do you put it? Did replacing the mirror mean you also lost the storage in the medicine cabinet? I currently live in a bathroom your size so was wondering what storage suggestions you have. Thanks!

Thank you! Luckily there is a small walk through wardrobe/office area just off the bathroom. It is a door just to the right of the sink. So there is some storage in there that I throw the essentials in.

SO spectacular. wowza. love the style of the toilet and the layout space on the sink. – the perfectionist in me wants a view of the mirror from the side, but I bet it looks great if the rest of the room is any indication 🙂

Man, you guys knock it out of the park every time! Just a note to say dang, your content has been insanely good as of late! I And also I couldn’t appreciate the realness & sense of humor of the EHD team more! And I mean all of it–the design posts of course, but also the mom/style posts (I’m a new mom, and I adore and applaud your mom posts, Emily.) I’m such a fan girl. Just wanted to say thank you for the daily inspiration! You guys are awesome. xx

love! amazing work. i have a very similar bathroom in my rental (but the blue tile is everrrywhere). my sink is also identical to the before but i’m not able to replace. i don’t hate, hate it but it’s just so… locker room. i’ve considered trying to put some sort of “skirt” underneath but do you think there’s any way to do it without it being shabby chic? (that is no offense to Rachel)

Totally, I think you could do a tailored skirt around the sink with flat panels rather than the ruffled panels you see in a lot of country/shabby chic decor. Definitely send along a pic if you end up doing anything.
XX

I once found myself a short person stuck living with a tall toilet I couldn’t change and I finally broke down and ordered a squatty potty. Not for the reasons they advertise them, but because it helped stay on the seat since my toes barely touched the ground. It was both embarrassing and hilarious at the same time.

SO beautiful! I’m in the midst of planning for a bathroom / kitchen remodel myself right now. Emily: I look to you as the expert on all things brass. How does it age in a wet environment? Does it get a patina overtime like copper?? I imagine it will just get more beautiful with age. Would you recommend only using solid brass (as opposed to coated) in places like the bathroom??

My faucet which is linked up in the site comes in a ton of different brass finishes but I got it in their “Satin Brass” which has continued to see the beautiful bright brass color as it is not unfinished. I love the color and feel of it and would definitely recommend it. Most companies now make brass options that do not tarnish. Hope that helps
xx

So excited to see you kept the original tiles! All my adult bathrooms have had that tile and even though I’ve always been a renter and couldn’t change them if I wanted to – I wouldn’t want to! We did a walk thru of a house we might buy and reno (!!) and when I told the contractor that I wanted to keep the original 1955 blue/black/white tile situation he looked at me like I was insane. Basket weave bathroom floors 4-eva!

Love it Brady!! I must say I am just shocked that some landlords out there actually advertise their rental units in such appalling condition. As a landlord myself, I must be one of the rare ones who actually prides themselves in offering tenants a clean, updated unit. I am so glad to hear that they were on board with your changes to the place. Looks great! 🙂

The ‘before’ picture with the horrific lighting, lack of any mirror, toilet gaping, broken showerhead on floor… it looks like a prison cell. I think your ‘after’ is beautiful but the severe difference in just the lighting in the two shots I think is often responsible for a ton of the improvement.

I’d be more impressed with a well-lit photo of the bathroom clean in both shots, so the styling and improvements could take center stage, y’know?

I imagine the difference is that the ‘after’ was professionally lit and shot and the ‘before’ was not worth paying a photographer for so was done with a phone – and as good as phone photos are getting these days, professional photos make a surprising amount of difference

What a HUGE impact! Such a cute bathroom. As a landlord myself- of a very charming older building, I wanted to add here that if a renter ever proposed these kinds of changes to me I would offer to contribute financially. Since the upgrades stay once the tenant moves out, a cool landlord should have no problem splitting costs with the renter, even if it means reimbursing if the landlord doesn’t have the finds to contribute up front. My one caveat is that the work has to be done by licensed contractors/plumbers/electricians for liability reasons. I would love to have a Brady as a tenant! 😉

How should someone bring this up to the landlord in a tactful/non-awkward way? Basically just say you’re considering replacing some of the items and ask if (1) they would be okay with it and (2) if they would be willing to chip in since you think it would increase the value of the property?

This is what I was wondering about as well. The bathroom looks fantastic of course! But Brady shelled out over a thousand dollars (prob closer to 2k, I couldn’t get the links for the toilet and sink to work) and all this stays after he moves out. What the what? It’s important to feel at home in your space but as a renter, I wouldn’t sink this kind of cash into my place unless the landlord was at least willing to split the costs.

EXACTLY this. This looks PHENOMENAL, but technically everything you permenantly install in a rental (ie fixtures) become the property of the landlord. Yes Brady could swap out all these cool spendy fixtures (like the light, the mirror, the faucet) for a cheap alternative when he moves but the landlord COULD insist he leave them. I thought when he said there were good looking inexpensive options he was going to install a $100 toilet, not a $300 toilet. I guess it’s all about perspective.

I LOVE this update! But I was also clicking on all the links, adding up how much was being spent on a rental bathroom. Pretty sure it’s over the 3K mark. Brady? Want to chime in here? Just wondering about your thoughts on sinking so much money into this place. Although seriously, if it makes you go from hating to loving it? Maybe worth it!

Teresa, that’s pretty much what we did in out last rental. What we had going for us, though, was that the condition of the sink and medicine cabinet (the two things we wanted replaced) were objectively bad. We had the same sink as Brady’s old one; it was pulling away from the wall so it sloped forward and water didn’t fully drain. And the medicine cabinet was literally falling apart. IIRC, we told the landlord that we would pay for a new medicine cabinet if she allowed us to change it out (we desperately needed the storage and were truly willing to eat the cost). And, after explaining the issue with the sink, we offered to split the cost of an Ikea sink and facet. Because she was a good landlord, after she approved our choices we bought the stuff and she reimbursed us in full for both the medicine cabinet and sink/facet. She also had her handyman do the install. If you have a good case for why things should be changed, and have a decent landlord, it can’t hurt to ask.

Sensational refresh, thanks for sharing. Not sure what I enjoy more your content or great content.
That is a lot of visual difference and feeling for not much $
Also like how well the sink and toilet look together, better than matching the same brand.
Excited to see the toilet round up, love the flat top of this one for practically of being able to place things on it.
Thanks again, great job!

That’s seriously beautiful and right up my alley, style-wise. My bath might be about the same size as yours. Unfortunately I need that space in the medicine cabinet and I don’t think I could replace my tiny sink that’s sagging off the wall.
But question: how did your existing tile go from gross gas station bathroom to milky pink and cerulean blue? Your blue tile in the “after” shot went from opaque to opalescent–how? Was it photoshopped? Or was the “before” photo just that bad?

I was going to ask, the pretty styling and foofing was a decoy so you didn’t have to share how in the world you were able to clean that tile? I paid my daughter $10 to use a scrub brush and bar keeper’s friend on the old tile in the kitchen. Totally worth it (she’s available, folks). Can I just ask about the tape measure on the shelf above the toilet, and what sort of use that has? Or is that even publishable?

The renovation is lovely, and clearly shows how a few cosmetic changes can enhance space. Bravo. Did you replace the sink and toilet, or did a plumber take care of those items? If a plumber changed out those items, how much was it?

Now, finally somewhere to ask this weirdo question: when you replace an old toilet, have any of you found holes, rust marks, difference in colour etc still showing on the floor tiles because the new toilet has a smaller footprint?
We’ve had this happen in our downstairs bathroom and cover it with an awkwardly-placed bathmat. But now we reeaally need to replace the toilet in our main bathroom and I’ll be bummed if it happens again. What do you reckon?

Love it! It has the vintage Art Deco ’20s look with a bit of mid-century modern Hollywood sparkle. I am a big fan of the colorful vintage California ceramic tiles & wish I had some of those lovely blue-green tiles..they don’t make them like they used to & the colors are just not the same. You’ve clearly shown you don’t have to gut a room of all its original charm to get a fresh look. Ah, and I love the fun Pom Pom trim..and Pom Pom flowers that echo it. And, the pretty Palm..I’m definitely gonna refer back to yours when I finally get around to doing my bath. 🙂

Brady! Fantastic post. You really showed how some basic changes and very tasteful accessories are what matter most in a bathroom. Such great style. I’m totally using that mirror in my next bathroom project. It’s perfection. More Brady posts please!!

LOVE IT! The two men collage reminds me of smeared poo, but everything else is amazing.

And this: “throw that shit off of there and bring in a bottle of wine, while you have the Kardashians on your laptop which is cantilevered on your toilet. Isn’t that what all good side tables and toilets are for?” LOL, yes.

This is PERFECT! Seriously, I live in a rental too. After 9 months, I’m still slowly working on my spaces, but they’re coming together! Just low budget decor changes. Though, sad, I found a pretty liquid soap dispenser that was actually appealing (I don’t want bar handsoap) and it broke like… instantly. Speaking of which, where’s your hand soap? Dirty dirty! (jk) Anyway, my bathroom also has a moisture problem and my new pink salt candle holder started “weeping” too. One day! I’ll keep trying! You’ve inspired me to keep working toward a space that makes me happy. 🙂 Also I just ate a lot cookies that I told myself would be my fancy lady “tea biscuits,” so apologies for the erratic post.

I love love love this post! Brady your writing is hilarious and this bathroom redo is all kinds of goodness!
Your humor in your writing makes me wonder do you and Emily (and other co-workers) just have the best time ever working with each other and where do I apply!

This post is giving me LYFE!!! Not only do I love all the ideas you gave me for my two impossibly small bathrooms, but the humor! Brady has got JOKES! Glad I’m not the only one who watches tv in the bathroom. 🙂

I’ve lived in many a rental and have never ever dreamt of putting this much TLC into a bathroom. But this looks so good you have me rethinking my track record entirely. Also let’s talk about THAT LIGHT FIXTURE (inserts heart eyes emoji).

This bathroom GLOWS!! Love the broad edges of the sink and how the lighting makes that dim glow. I like the way you write, very descriptive and I can totally relate to you! I don’t have a big bathroom either, but at least I’m able to buy the highest quality replicas of some of the most beautiful pieces on the market through France and son. Just bought a table and a mirror from their website to add some aesthetics to my tiny bathroom.

This made my vintage soul so happy. It’s wonderful to see there are still folks out there that appreciate the craftsman of old and are willing to make the investment to bring it back to life. Love, love, love it Brady!!!!

gah! brady this is amazing! can you please come over and work some magic on my sad old LA bathroom?

any suggestions about what to do with old, UGLY tiles? Mine are all cracked and funky and also a pale yellow and pale pink, which means that they just look really dirty, alllll the time…. i’ve thought about painting them (is that insane?!), or covering them with those tile sticker things but that would just get so pricey… any other ideas?

i am love, love, LOVING this series bc our apartments are so similar, so thank you! Getting all kinds of inspired!

OH MY what a fancy little oasis you got there. My bathroom is slightly larger and you sir definitely put my bathroom to shame.
Wonder if that wooden stool last long with all the water splat happening in the shower though…

The thing that strikes me is the utter joyful way in which he has approached his home and surroundings. This is a person who knows how to make himself happy. That’s what I’ll take from this whole editorial, that knowing what engenders happiness is the most important aspect of every design. Well done!

Brady,
I just absolutely love the realness in your writing, and your designing tips. They are so practical, as I am renting an apartment, and changing things in it feels impossible. You have inspired me to look at the other ways I can change things and afford making those changes too!

Hello!

Emily is a stylist, author and T.V. host with a strong commitment to vintage inspired approachable home style for every single person. Perfection is boring; Let’s get weird. learn more

Interior Design Blog by Emily Henderson

I started this interior design blog in 2010 as a journal of my style and home projects with the belief that design should be approachable, informational and accessible no matter what budget.

As a home style expert who has a strong commitment to peeling back the intimidating layers of the world of home decor, and showing how every person can have a beautiful home that represents their personality, no matter what the budget.

After styling for magazines and catalogues for years, I started my own interior design blog, won HGTV Design Star, and have gone on to host my own hit TV show Secrets from a Stylist, Author the book STYLED, and create the design firm Emily Henderson Design.

My motto has always been to write and publish on my blog what I personally want to read about.